TSA offers tips, precautions during holiday travel
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Transportation Security Administration officers found a loaded firearm at the Charlotte airport on Dec. 11. It was the 43rd gun TSA officers have stopped at the airport this year.
The TSA said it would like to remind passengers to check bags before entering checkpoints. Passengers should not be carrying ammunition, guns, knives, self-defense weapons, large tools or other items that could be used as bludgeons.
Bringing prohibited items through a checkpoint slows the screening process down for all travelers, the TSA said.
Also, TSA said people are forgetting the 3-1-1 rule and are coming into checkpoints with bottles of water and other oversized liquids. The TSA said for people to buy water and soda bottles after making it through security. Oversized liquid bottles should be in checked bags.
LINK: 3-1-1 Liquid Rule
Travel Tips
- 3-1-1 for liquids: Liquids, gels, aerosols, creams and pastes must be 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less and all bottles must fit in 1 quart size plastic bag and placed in a bin for screening.
- Gifts: While wrapped gifts are allowed, security officers may need to un-wrap a gift to resolve an alarm. TSA recommends passengers wrap gifts after their flight or ship them ahead of time to avoid the possibility of having to open them during the screening process. Small snow globes are allowed in carry-on luggage when packed in a passenger's plastic 3-1-1 bag.
- Food: Food items such as pies and cakes are permitted, but may require further inspection. If travelers are not sure if a food item is considered a liquid or gel, it is best to pack the item in checked baggage or ship it to a destination in advance.
- Children 12 and under and adults 75 and older: TSA has modified the screening procedures for children 12 and under and adults 75 and older.
- Check for prohibited items: Travelers can use the "Can I bring my..." app on tsa.gov or tsa.gov/mobile to check what items are allowed/not allowed in carry-on and checked luggage. Smartphone users can easily download the "My TSA" app to quickly find helpful information about TSA policies and procedures.
- Firearms: Firearms are only allowed in checked baggage and must be unloaded, placed in a locked, hard-sided container and properly declared to the airline.
- Prepare for security: Have a U.S. federal or state-issued photo ID and boarding pass out and remove liquids and large electronics, including laptops, from carry-on baggage. Remember to remove shoes, outerwear, and bulky jewelry and empty pockets. Place valuable items in a carry-on bag.
- TSA Cares: Travelers or families of passengers with disabilities and medical conditions can call the TSA Cares helpline toll free 855-787-2227, 72 hours prior to traveling with any questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint.
- TSA's Wounded Warrior Screening program: This program allows expedited screening and curb to gate service for this trusted group of citizens. Wounded warriors or their care coordinators can contact TSA Cares toll free at 1-855-787-2227 with details of the itinerary once flight arrangements are made with the airline. In addition, at airport checkpoints nationwide, U.S. service personnel in uniform with proper identification, whether traveling on official orders or not, are not required to remove their shoes or boots unless they alarm the technology.
